Despite not having a true national U.S. TV contract, despite the fact that the majority of the revenue gains the NHL has made are due to the rising Canadian dollar, and despite the fact that several U.S. teams are losing money in buckets, the cap rises again.

I want my year of hockey back Gary.

So what was the lockout for anyway?

A little perspectiveis in order.

The salary cap floor ($40 million), below which no team dare to tread, is now higher than the original salary cap ceiling ($39 million).

We now have unprecedented levels of player movement, which reduces fan loyalty.